Holiday retail sales have increased due to low unemployment, income growth, a consumer friendly season and high consumer confidence. The United States is increasing to 5.8 percent to $1.002 trillion mark, with strong growth in 2018. It is the first time that the holiday period has surpassed by $1 trillion mark with spending momentum as an added boost between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In addition to that, the brick-and-mortal sales for the holiday season are expected to increase to 4.4 percent to $878.38 billion, more than previously projected. Brick-and-mortar sales are 87.7 percent of the holiday sales, coming back from a steady decline in the last few years.
E-commerce is expected to increase by 16.6 percent to $123.73 billion representing 12.3% of all holiday retail sales in 2018. Holiday e-commerce sales via smartphones and tables increased by 43.8 percent, adding 5.4 percent to total holiday sales.
Source: CSA, November 2018